The ramblings of the 51 year old Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church of Detroit.
Piety Hill refers to the old name for our neighborhood. The neighborhood has changed a great deal in the over 150 years we have been on this corner (but not our traditional biblical theology) and it is now known for the neighboring theatres, the professional baseball and football stadiums and new hockey/basketball arena.

Monday, November 05, 2012

Rector's Rambling - All Saints Sunday

A blessed All Saints’ Sunday to one and all!

Early in the life of the Christian Church the members of the body of Christ began to venerate those who lived lives of heroic virtue and witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. They became examples of that new life in Christ that could be achieved by cooperating fully with God’s grace.

The Apostles, Evangelists, and Martyrs (those who were killed because of their faith in Jesus) were used as examples in teaching to the new Christian, and as an encouragement to those struggling against the temptations of “the world, the flesh, and the devil”. Soon afterward, not only were those of very public example exhorted, but those who lived lives of quiet sanctity became examples that holiness could be lived every day and in every circumstance.

Even in our modern day we can think of those who are very public examples of the love of Jesus: Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, Janani Luwum. And yet, as the hymn says, “there are hundreds of thousands still” who are striving for that holiness which God desires of us, and are doing so in relative obscurity.

Let us strive to be a Saint! Let us strive for greater holiness! Let us strive to be like Jesus!

A Stewardship Prayer

Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess; Grant us grace that we may honour thee with our substance through the support of our parish church. Filled with your love, we respond to your call to be disciples of your Son. Unite us as a community of your disciples. Open our hearts and minds to your abundant grace so that we might become good stewards of your gifts. As good stewards, teach us to receive your gifts gratefully, nurture them responsibly, share them selflessly, and return them to you with increase, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.